Chapter 281: Late Nine-Star Dou Saint
In the space filled with intense heat, flames raged like angry dragons roaring through the heavens. The massive sea of magma periodically erupted with sky-piercing fire columns, which then fell like a rain of magma from the sky.
Floating dozens of meters above the sea of magma was a colossal pink fireball, about a hundred meters wide. Inside, the flames blazed fiercely, releasing waves of destructive power that distorted the surrounding space.
Peering into the fireball, one could vaguely see two figures tightly entwined, with golden, purple-black, and pink flames constantly swirling around them.
After a moment, Xiao Tian slowly opened his eyes and murmured, "Blazing Sky Technique, refine!"
As Xiao Tian activated the Blazing Sky Technique, the golden and pink flames began to flow along its path. Thanks to Xun'er's assistance, he now had a peculiar connection with the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame. Because of this, he was able to refine it.
"Rumble!" As the two different flames started to be refined by the Blazing Sky Technique, vast clouds suddenly gathered in the sky above. These clouds formed over the fireball, causing the sea of magma to surge violently.
Xiao Tian ignored the phenomena happening outside. "Xun'er, now it's time for us to reap the rewards!" He looked tenderly at the sleeping beauty in his arms, a gentle smile appearing on his face. He held her slender waist and changed the hand seals.
"Buzz!" With the change in hand seals, the two different flames finally began to be refined by the Blazing Sky Technique. Instantly, a vast, liquid-like energy surged out, flooding Xiao Tian's body like a torrent.
Simultaneously, Xiao Tian's entire body – his limbs, bones, and flesh – began to frantically absorb this energy. He didn't forget about Xun'er either. He kissed her on the lips, allowing the immense energy to flow into her body.
Both of their auras began to rise rapidly.
…
Outside.
Not long after the Nether Lotus Demon Flame appeared, and following the disappearance of the Spirit Clan, another ancient clan, the Stone Clan, mysteriously vanished entirely. This news, once spread, immediately caused another shockwave throughout Central Continent.
The Stone Clan was even stronger than the Spirit Clan, yet it vanished without a trace. Now, only five of the original eight ancient clans remained.
To combat this unknown danger, the Medicine Clan, Fire Clan, and Thunder Clan suddenly announced an alliance, calling themselves the "Three-Clan Alliance."
The formation of this alliance had a huge impact on all forces. It was the first time in history that so many ancient imperial clans had joined forces. Fortunately, the Three-Clan Alliance only sought self-protection and did not stir up further turmoil in Central Continent. They merely opened the passages between their small worlds to resist future crises.
Seeing the ancient clans unite, other major forces in Central Continent also began forming alliances. The Sky Underworld Sect announced a coalition with the Ice River Valley, Wind and Thunder Pavilion, Yellow Spring Pavilion, and other notable forces, calling themselves the Underworld River Alliance.
The Underworld River Alliance acted aggressively, expanding their power and encroaching on other sects. Given its proximity to the Starfall Pavilion, multiple conflicts broke out between them. During this tumultuous period, Medicine Old Man also sent emissaries to other forces in Central Continent, planning to discuss forming alliances.
…
Back in the Demon Flame Space.
"Boom!" Xiao Tian sat up and stretched, his bones making a thunderous noise. In his eyes were two tiny flaming lotus flowers, gently rotating and emitting a peculiar attraction, as if they could pull one's soul into them.
Beside him was a beautiful woman with long, flowing black hair cascading down her slender waist. Xun'er, with her flawless, delicate face, now had a touch of allure that made her even more captivating.
"Oh my, my cultivation level!" Xun'er exclaimed, sensing her own strength.
Her cultivation had skyrocketed from a two-star Dou Saint to the late five-star Dou Saint.
Xiao Tian raised an eyebrow and teased, "That's the benefit of training with me. We should do it more often!"
"Brother Xiao Tian, you're so naughty!" Xun'er blushed deeply, knowing exactly what he meant.
"Hahaha!" Xiao Tian laughed heartily.
"What level has Brother Xiao Tian's strength reached now?" Xun'er asked curiously. Despite her own advancements, she couldn't gauge Xiao Tian's power.
"Not as much as you think. I only reached the late nine-star Dou Saint," Xiao Tian replied.
"What? Late nine-star Dou Saint?" Xun'er was shocked. The strongest beings in the world, like the Soul Emperor and her father, Gu Yuan, were at this level. This meant Xiao Tian was now just a step behind her father.
"Brother Xiao Tian, you're amazing!" Xun'er said softly, knowing that Xiao Tian had given her most of the energy, allowing her such a significant boost. If he had absorbed all the energy, he might have reached the peak of the nine-star Dou Saint.
"Although my cultivation is slightly lower than the Soul Emperor's, I am confident my strength surpasses his," Xiao Tian said proudly. Besides his Dou Qi, he had powerful soul energy and physical strength. Even though he and the Soul Emperor were both nine-star Dou Saints, Xiao Tian's body had been tempered by numerous different flames and lightning, making his physical strength far superior. Plus, with three ancestral symbols and various divine items, his combat power already exceeded the Soul Emperor's.
"Xun'er, please help me keep this a secret," Xiao Tian requested.
He intended to lay low and let the Soul Clan do the dirty work of gathering the Emperor Jade. Once they had it, he would take it from them. Although he could forcefully seize it with his power, it wouldn't be honorable. Throughout history, the "righteous" side always had a facade of justice, even those rebels who claimed to act for the greater good. After the Soul Clan gathered the jades, he would take them back. This way, even if he didn't return them to the other clans, they couldn't complain.
"Of course, Brother Xiao Tian," Xun'er agreed, placing him above the interests of her clan. She would follow his wishes unconditionally.
(End of Chapter)